Android Central |
- Be sure to check out AC on Google Currents with your new Nexus 7
- The full SDK for Android 4.1 now available, along with new NDK and tools
- Google Music gets a major UI update
- Verizon bringing 4G LTE to 33 more markets tomorrow
- SwiftKey updated with Jelly Bean compatibility and bugfixes
- Indie Gala offers Android games for charity donation
- O2 proactively offering users compensation for 24-hour network outage
- UK judge rules Apple must publicly admit Samsung did not copy iPad design
- Untappd - the best way to share your love of beer
- HondaLink brings your Android smartphone into the cockpit, starting with the 2013 Accord
- Light Flow LED Control updated to v3.0.4, fixes for Jelly Bean included
- ZTE Grand X hands-on
- Books now available from Google Play in France
- ZTE launches the Grand X in London
- Shared data plans: Who saves you more money, Verizon or AT&T?
- AAA Mobile folds together old discount, roadside, and map apps
- How to use Smart Stay on the Galaxy S3
- Deal of the Day: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for HTC One X
- Sony unveils a new Android-based Walkman
- OtterBox Defender Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Nexus [accessory review]
- AT&T announces shared data plans - not forcing anyone to switch though
- Nexus S Jelly Bean update reportedly set to start rolling out in the next couple of days
- Samsung: 64GB Galaxy S III not cancelled, still due before year's end
- Pocket gets ready for the Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean
- Best features of the Galaxy S III, Manual flashing [From the Forums]
| Be sure to check out AC on Google Currents with your new Nexus 7 Posted: 18 Jul 2012 04:44 PM PDT
Google has made Currents part of Android with Jelly Bean, and anyone with a Nexus 7 or other Nexus device who's updated has it sitting in their app drawer. That's not a bad thing -- the Currents app really is a great way to read the news, especially on today's big-screen devices. Refer back to our full walkthrough and review for tips on getting it all set up, but be sure to subscribe to Android Central. You'll find us in the Science & Tech section -- we're the ones with over 450,000 subscribers. Once you've got everything added, you'll find Currents a well thought out and handy way to read the news your way. Whether you skim headlines or delve into every story, the content is provided in an easy to navigate way with all the media you get from the desktop version of a particular news story. We really dig it around here, and think you will, too. If you're not rocking with a Jelly Bean device, have no fear -- it's available in the Google Play store for devices running Froyo or higher. You can find it at the link below. Download Google Currents from Google Play
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| The full SDK for Android 4.1 now available, along with new NDK and tools Posted: 18 Jul 2012 03:41 PM PDT
Google has made the full 4.1 Android SDK available for download, along with a revised set of SDK tools (20.1.1) and the NDK (rev 8b). As always, the SDK and assorted tools are available for Windows, Mac and Linux, and are a must have for any serious Android application development. You can grab the updates through the SDK manager of your existing installation, or at the Android Developers site. Speaking of serious application development, Android engineer Nick Butcher has also written a great blog post about writing apps that take advantage of the new Jelly Bean API and the features found on the Nexus 7. He brings up a great point -- for most users, the Nexus 7 will be their first look at Jelly Bean. You want your applications to shine, and not just work. He gives tips and methods so that your apps can do just that. Be sure to give it a read at the source link below. Source: Android Developers blog
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| Google Music gets a major UI update Posted: 18 Jul 2012 02:17 PM PDT
Google Music has received a pretty major UI overhaul, which brings the interface on previous phones and tablets up to par with the version that ships with the Nexus 7. In short -- it's a great update. The Music app now has the same feeling that the Google+ app has, with plenty of big images and the trademark Google app look. The change log:
The changes are great, and the app now has a polish it lacked before. It's great to see the various teams at Google pushing out great updates for their Android apps. If you're a Google Music user (and you should be) this is one you won't want to miss. It's rolling out, including an update for the Nexus 7, via Google Play for devices running Android 2.2 or higher. Grab it at the link below. Download Google Music from Google Play 
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| Verizon bringing 4G LTE to 33 more markets tomorrow Posted: 18 Jul 2012 01:55 PM PDT
Verizon announced today that they will be flipping the 4G LTE switch tomorrow, July 19, that will bring the high-speed service to 33 new markets. They also announced the expansion of 32 markets , which will also happen July 19. The new markets to receive 4G LTE are:
The markets that will see expansion are:
It's great to see such extensive lists on Verizon's expansion plan. If you live in one of these areas and you're on Verizon, be on the lookout for faster speeds starting tomorrow, July 19. Source: Verizon 
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| SwiftKey updated with Jelly Bean compatibility and bugfixes Posted: 18 Jul 2012 01:50 PM PDT
Another app getting an update today with some Jelly Bean compatibility is SwiftKey Keyboard. While it worked on Jelly Bean before, the update did introduce a few bugs and this release serves to squash those and a few others such as predictions not appearing in popups as well as some UI issues that were happening to some folks. You'll find the update waiting for you in the Google Play Store, download link below if you're new to the app. Download: SwiftKey Keyboard 
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| Indie Gala offers Android games for charity donation Posted: 18 Jul 2012 01:41 PM PDT
Indie Gala has kicked off today, offering a bunch of Android games with a pay-what-you-want structure all in the name of charity. You can chose to split your payment between the indie app developers, the Indie Gala organizers, AbleGamers, a charity for vide game fans with disabilities, or the Italian Red Cross to support the recent earthquake Emilia. Out of the gate, participants get Ichi, The Lost Souls, and Battle Group. If you donate more than the average (currently $5.29), you also get Xelorians, Call of Cthulhu: Wasted Land, Little Stars for Little Wars 2. They'll even toss in a few PC games, like Cute Things Dying Violently, Spin Deluxe, Tiny Plumbers, the soundtrack to Little Stars for Little Wars 2, and an extra mystery gift to be unlocked next week. Although the Indie Gala looks like a scrappier version of the Humble Bundle, it's still fully legit and has been doing fundraisers through the Steam PC gaming platform for awhile now. So far, they've sold 1665 bundles, and still have a week to go. Hit up the link below if you're interested in pitching in. Source: Indie Gala 
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| O2 proactively offering users compensation for 24-hour network outage Posted: 18 Jul 2012 01:37 PM PDT
Last week, O2 in the UK suffered some serious downtime that lasted approximately 24 hours affecting many users of their network. With O2 now back up and running tiptop, O2 is looking to clean up the mess and make good with those affected by the outage by offering some compensation. As noted on their blog and through text messages being sent out, the compensation will work out to three days of service:
It's never a good thing when your network goes down and it affects millions of users but it is a good thing to go ahead and proactively offer those affected some compensation for the downtime. It's not all that often that a company wants to give money back so, good on O2 for making it happen. Source: O2 
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| UK judge rules Apple must publicly admit Samsung did not copy iPad design Posted: 18 Jul 2012 01:26 PM PDT
Bloomberg reports that UK Judge Colin Birss has ordered Apple to post notice on the Apple UK website -- as well as Financial Times, the Daily Mail, Guardian Mobile magazine, and T3 -- stating that Samsung did not copy the iPad's design. This comes on the heels of the ruling from the British High Court stating that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, 7.7 and 8.9 are sufficiently different from Apple's design, and that all of them are strongly based on prior art. Apple must leave notice on their UK website for six months informing consumers of the ruling. Apple's counsel of course pushed back against the ruling, citing that in essence they would be forced to advertise for their competition, telling the court “No company likes to refer to a rival on its website.” Of course, no company wants to spend millions to defend their products from invalid lawsuits, either. We hate legal squabbles around here. But we love this turn of events, only because this sort of punishment just might make those billionaires think twice before filing the next frivolous lawsuit. Hopefully, Judges in the US are paying close attention. Source: Bloomberg
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| Untappd - the best way to share your love of beer Posted: 18 Jul 2012 12:28 PM PDT
You can never have too many drinking buddies, and you'll find plenty onlineUntappd recently updated their beer check-in app for Android and iOS with a bunch of the usual interface and performance enhancements, but also a new Discover tab to find out the best places to drink nearby. What better time to check out the one and only social network for brew enthusiasts? The core function of Untappd is still there: share what you're drinking with friends. In addition to having its own social network complete with friending system, comments, five-star ratings, and virtual "cheers" to the check-ins of others, Untappd status updates can be shared with Facebook and Twitter as well. You can even attach your location and a picture if you're feeling fancy. If you can't find your beer, there's a submission form included in the mobile app which lets users create full profiles for others to check into. Once beers are in the database, breweries themselves can take over control, submit label art, and monitor engagement.
Like most check-in apps, there are a bunch of badges to be earned - some limited-time, others for completing certain achievements. There's also a web component with a few additional functions, such as seeing the top-rated beers worldwide. 
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| HondaLink brings your Android smartphone into the cockpit, starting with the 2013 Accord Posted: 18 Jul 2012 12:16 PM PDT
Honda's getting serious about connecting your smartphone with your car, and it'll be launching its new HondaLink system this fall in the 2013 Honda Accord. HondaLink follows in the footsteps of the Chevy MyLink system we demoed at General Motors' test facilities last summer in that the infotainment system uses the data connection from your phone but is controlled through the traditional in-car systems. Android smartphones will connect over Bluetooth, while iPhones can use Bluetooth or the usual iPhone cable. Honda has teamed up with Aha by Harman to provide music, podcasts, news, Twitter and Facebook feeds, all of which are to be provided safely hands-free use in mind. Also on board are Pandora and voice-to-text SMS services, which Honda's already unveiled on the 2012 CRV. The 2013 Accord is just the beginning, Honda said today, and that you can expect to see it on upper trim levels going forward. Hit the source links below for the full pressers, or check out the promo video after the break. 
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| Light Flow LED Control updated to v3.0.4, fixes for Jelly Bean included Posted: 18 Jul 2012 11:27 AM PDT
After the roll out of Light Flow LED Control v3.0, Google went ahead and introduced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This introduced some changes that needed to be corrected within Light Flow LED Control and now we're seeing v3.0.4 roll out to correct those issues as well as a few others:
If you've been having issues with Light Flow on your Jelly Bean device, go ahead and fire up the Google Play Store and grab the update. If you're new to Light Flow you'll find the download link below. Keep in mind, there is a free version available use as well in case you want to test it out before going all in. Download: Paid, Free Thanks, eljedo! 
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| Posted: 18 Jul 2012 10:01 AM PDT We're live in London, where ZTE has just announced its new mid to high-end smartphone for Europe, the Grand X. It's a 4.3-inch device with a qHD screen, and a design that will remind Android enthusiasts of the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus phones. What's also familiar from the Nexus series is the software -- the Grand X runs a near-stock version of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (no word on any Jelly Bean update just yet, unfortunately.) Inside there's a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU, coupled with 512MB. Internal storage is limited to 1.6GB, but there's also a microSD card slot around the back to enable expandable storage. ZTE is pitching this device as a multimedia smartphone for price-conscious buyers, and the specs and price point are well-aligned with this demographic. ZTE says it's looking at a £180-190 price point in the UK, when the Grand X launches on Virgin Media and Phones4U, and it's also loaded with TegraZone games to take advantage of the NVIDIA chip under the hood. The ZTE Grand X is expected to launch in August in the UK, followed by a wider European launch in France and Germany. Check out our full hands-on demonstration of the Grand X above. We've got more photos after the break. 
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| Books now available from Google Play in France Posted: 18 Jul 2012 09:33 AM PDT
The slow, global march of new markets receiving Google Play content continues. This time up, it's the turn of France, where as of today, Books are available to download from Google Play. In countries where Google Play content has been available for some time, we often take it for granted. But, if the Nexus 7 is to be a truly, globally loved device, then the content has to be there. For some it still isn't, but in France, today is a step closer. If you're in France, head on over to the Google Play Store now either on the web, or on your device, and browse all the reading material on offer. Don't forget too, to download the Google Play Books app, which you'll find a handy download link for below. Source: Google, Download: Google Play Books 
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| ZTE launches the Grand X in London Posted: 18 Jul 2012 08:42 AM PDT
We're live in London today, where ZTE has announced the Grand X, a new phone with a new processor but an older chipset. The Grand X is running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which we'd expect from a phone being announced today. (Sorry, but you're going to have to wait a little bit before seeing new phones with Jelly Bean.) It's sporting a 4.3-inch qHD-resolution display (that's 540x960) and is running NVIDIA's dual-core Tegra 2 platform at 1GHz. It's also got a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting at 720p. The front-facing camera is 0.3MP. Full specs include:
It'll be launching with Virgin Media and Phones4U in early August in France, Germany and the UK. 
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| Shared data plans: Who saves you more money, Verizon or AT&T? Posted: 18 Jul 2012 08:31 AM PDT
Unless you're using more than two phones, AT&T's new shared data plans won't really save you money over Verizon's.AT&T is launching shared data plans in August. Verizon has them now. The premises are similar -- one plan, multiple phones sharing from a bucket of data. (Voice and texts are all unlimited and "free.") You'll have to pay for each phone that's a part of the shared plan, though. How do they break down? Which one's more likely to save you money? Let's take a look. 
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| AAA Mobile folds together old discount, roadside, and map apps Posted: 18 Jul 2012 08:13 AM PDT
The American Automobile Association has updated their Android offering so that instead of a smattering of different apps, they're all pulled together under one roof.
I'm a little surprised that AAA hasn't been working with Ford AppLink and the equivalent competing dashboard app platforms for Chevrolet, BMW, and other car manufacturers. AAA obviously has a huge vested interested in being in the automotive app space, and plugging directly into a car's handsfree and dash system is the best way to go about it. Some of the features in AAA Mobile are locked down to AAA members, but the app itself is free - go ahead and check it out at the download link below. Which apps do you guys use while on the road? Source: AAA Download: AAA Mobile 
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| How to use Smart Stay on the Galaxy S3 Posted: 18 Jul 2012 07:32 AM PDT
Smart Stay is Samsung’s new feature that actually watches you to make sure you are still watching the screen.The screen on the Samsung Galaxy S III (S3) is amazing. It is clear, it is big and it is bright. Brightness, however, comes at the expense of battery life. Samsung, like many other manufacturers, allows you to have the phone sense the lighting conditions and compensate the brightness accordingly. 
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| Deal of the Day: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for HTC One X Posted: 18 Jul 2012 06:13 AM PDT
The OtterBox Commuter Series Case is available for just $21.95, 37% off today only. Grab yours while supplies last! 
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| Sony unveils a new Android-based Walkman Posted: 18 Jul 2012 05:53 AM PDT
Sony today announced the new Android-based F800 Series Walkman, with "an extreme on-the-go entertainment experience." OK, then. There are three devices in the range, spanning 8-, 16- and 32-gigabyte models. The F800's got a 3.5-inch LCD display and, uh, plays music and videos and has access to the Google Play store. Playback time is listed at 20 hours for audio and 4.5 hours for video.
Source: Sony 
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| OtterBox Defender Series Case for Samsung Galaxy Nexus [accessory review] Posted: 18 Jul 2012 05:43 AM PDT
The name OtterBox has become synonymous with unrivaled protection, and its Defender series cases are truly unmatched. I never hesitate to recommend OtterBox products to people looking to keep their phone in great shape for the duration of their two-year contract. Simply put, you’d be hard pressed to damage your investment with an OtterBox on its back. 
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| AT&T announces shared data plans - not forcing anyone to switch though Posted: 18 Jul 2012 04:03 AM PDT
AT&T today has become the second U.S. carrier to announce shared data plans, wherein multiple devices consume a limited amount of data for a single fee. The plans will be available in late August. AT&T notes that these plans are not mandatory; it's not moving anyone to them unless they want to. If you have unlimited data now, you'll still have it in August, when shared data becomes available. Same goes for AT&T's current tiered plans. There can be as many as 10 devices attached to a shared plan, and one of those devices must be a smartphone. The shared plans include tethering and unlimited voice calls and texts. There are six tiers of service, starting at $40 for 1 gigabyte of data and ranging to $200 for 20 gigabytes of data. As each data bucket increases, the cost per device drops, but only for the first three buckets. If you go over your data allotment, each addition gigabyte costs $15. It's a little confusing, yeah, especially compared to Verizon's shared plans. Let's break it down a little more.
Basic and "quick messaging" phones each add another $30 to your monthly bill. Laptops and data cards run $20, and tablets add $10 a month. Verizon in June announced it, too, was adding shared data plans as an option. Data buckets range from $50 for 1 gigabyte of data to 10 gigabytes for $100 a month, with added fees for each smartphone and tablet attached to the plan. We've got AT&T's complete press release after the break. 
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| Nexus S Jelly Bean update reportedly set to start rolling out in the next couple of days Posted: 18 Jul 2012 02:47 AM PDT
It seems like the good news week is set to continue for Nexus fans, with reports emerging that the hotly anticipated update to Android 4.1 is set to starting rolling out to the Nexus S over the next couple of days. Down under, in Australia, Vodafone Australia has posted to their blog the following in relation to to the Jelly Bean update:
Don't forget, that July 19 in Australia is actually July 18 in the U.S -- albeit only just given the time. That time translates to around 04:00 BST 23:00 Eastern, and 20:00 Pacific. Elsewhere, SFR in France, also has something to say on the update, which pretty much ties in with Vodafone Australia:
So, the signs are looking good. We'll be keeping a close eye on this one, but remember, it's pretty likely that this will only apply to the GSM versions as with the Galaxy Nexus -- sorry Sprint users. Until we see it though, as ever, let's treat it with a slight pinch of salt. Carriers have been known to give out incorrect information in the past let's not forget. We'll be keeping a close eye out for this one, but if any of you guys happen to see an update notification, hit us up in the Android Central forums or in the comments below. Source: SFR, Vodafone Australia 
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| Samsung: 64GB Galaxy S III not cancelled, still due before year's end Posted: 18 Jul 2012 02:25 AM PDT
With some retailers reportedly cancelling orders of the 64GB Samsung Galaxy S III in parts of Europe, rumors have been circulating that Samsung had canceled that version of its 2012 flagship. However, it seems that’s not quite the case, as we reached out to Samsung to double-check these details, and the manufacturer got back to us saying a release is still planned. A Samsung spokesperson told Android Central --
So it looks like we’ll still get a 64GB-flavored S III, and with it the prospect of pairing it with a 64GB microSD card for a whopping 128GB of storage. Samsung’s language, though, suggests that not all S III launch territories will necessarily see the 64GB version, which could be why some retailers are hedging their bets and cancelling orders. As Samsung said during its Galaxy S III announcement event in London, the plan always was to release the 64GB model a bit later than the 16 and 32GB versions. Of course we’re already in the second half of the year, so we could feasibly see this version appear at any point from now on. In the meantime, we’ll be watching for any further news on the 64GB S III, so keep it locked to AC. 
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| Pocket gets ready for the Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean Posted: 17 Jul 2012 07:39 PM PDT
Pocket, previously known as Read it Later, has recently upgraded their bookmarking app for Android for Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean optimization. Here's the full feature list for Pocket 4.1.3.
Between the desktop browser plug-in, story submission by e-mail, and polished mobile app, I'm a huge fan of Pocket. Of course it invariably turns into a giant pile of interesting stuff that you can never get around to reading, but at least you'll never be wanting for something to read when on the move. If you haven't had a chance to try it out, get downloading at the link below. Source: Pocket Download: Pocket 
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| Best features of the Galaxy S III, Manual flashing [From the Forums] Posted: 17 Jul 2012 06:25 PM PDT
Just in case you missed out on some of the Android news today, now is the time to go ahead and get yourself fully caught up. Here on the blogs and in the Android Central Forums there is plenty to talk about. Have some questions? Need some help or just looking to chat Android? You know where to go, check out some of the threads below to get started.
If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today. 
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